Genesis 42:14

14 But Joseph said to them, "It is just as I have said to you; you are spies!

Genesis 42:14 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:14

And Joseph said unto them, that [is it] that I spake unto
you, saying, ye [are] spies.
] This proves it, at least gives strong suspicion of it; since at first they seemed to speak of themselves, as if they were the only sons of one man and there were no more, now they speak of twelve, and make mention of one being at home with his father; but seeing he sent so many of them, why not all? why should one only be left at home?

Genesis 42:14 In-Context

12 But he said to them, "No, you have come to see the nakedness of the land!"
13 They said, "We, your servants, are twelve brothers, the sons of a certain man in the land of Canaan; the youngest, however, is now with our father, and one is no more."
14 But Joseph said to them, "It is just as I have said to you; you are spies!
15 Here is how you shall be tested: as Pharaoh lives, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here!
16 Let one of you go and bring your brother, while the rest of you remain in prison, in order that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you; or else, as Pharaoh lives, surely you are spies."
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.